There are many, many people to thank, not just for this project but for their part in my musical life so far.
My Family
I grew up in a very musical household where we were exposed to a wide range and mixture of music. Both my parents are extremely musical and there was always music and creativity in the house. My mother plays the mandolin, the piano, sings, acts, directs and dabbles on the fiddle. My dad writes songs, tunes and musicals and plays a few different instruments too. You can hear his piano accompaniment on a couple of tunes on the website. Myself, my two sisters and my brother were all sent for guitar lessons as kids and sang in the local choir. At the age of 7, I got a fiddle and began my lessons with Mary Greevy in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin every week. I feel so lucky that I had these opportunities and I’m so grateful to my parents.
I wrote my first tune when I was 11 years old, on a holiday in Co. Clare. My mam who was always the first to hear my new compositions was and is always so encouraging, hence all of the tunes dedicated to her – “Mother’s Day”, “Mother Says”, “Laura’s Reel”, “Primrose Monday”, “Through the Glass”.
My sister, Rossagh, has also been a huge part of my musical life and features on the website singing some of my songs. We had a band called Saoirse with some local lads when I was 15 and played the local pubs around Kill. Rossagh is also the singer in the band Reelan that recorded the album of my original music “The Crooked Picture”, released in 2009. We have learnt great songs and tunes together over the years and continue to perform together.
My daughter, Shonagh, also deserves a mention. She inspires a lot of my music and can be heard singing on the song “Codladh Sámh”. I’m so proud of her.
Aoife Kelly
I came across Aoife Kelly’s work after discovering a website of compositions by fiddle player and composer Connie O’Connell. Aoife had designed the website and I decided to get in touch with her about the idea of my own collection. I then saw the amazing work that she had done on johnkellycapelstreet.com about her grandfather’s life and music.
Aoife has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She was patient and diligent in every aspect of this project. She processed hundreds of files, emails, recordings and content. Her design and IT skills are clearly represented in her creation of this website and her skilful concertina playing can also be heard in the tunes “The Ninety Seven” and “Good Morning Miss Carmel”. I am so grateful for her talent, knowledge, hard work and encouragement in this project.
Terry Moylan
I met Terry Moylan while working at Na Píobairí Uilleann in 2008. Terry is a friend, a mentor and a huge inspiration to me. He has always encouraged my composition and has given me such confidence in what I do. Terry is a master of knowledge in the Irish Traditional Music world and his guidance is invaluable to me. Having him launch this website is an honour.
Mark Redmond
I also met Mark while working at Na Píobairí Uilleann. Mark is a virtuoso musician, a master piper and a great friend. In 2014 I composed “The Battle of Clontarf” which was premiered by Mark, and also “The Open Road” in memory of Liam O’Flynn in 2022.
Mark has always been open to new music and is always willing to participate in projects and ideas I have. I am honoured that he features on my website playing the two descriptive pieces along with six other tunes on uilleann pipes, flute and whistle.
Music Teachers and Musicians
- The Arts Council for their support, which allowed me to realise a dream of bringing my music to a worldwide audience.
- Eilís Lavelle, Aoife Kelly, Sorcha Potts, Jacqui Martin, Derek Hickey, Mark Redmond, Zoë Conway, Seán McKeon, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Seán McElwain, Oisín Morrison, Caoilte Morrison, Louise Mulcahy, Muireann Banks, Bernie Balfe, Sheila Friel, Anna Friel, Clare Friel, Rossagh Cusack, Shonagh Purcell Tobin, Shaun Purcell and Sam Purcell and for their amazing talents and willingness to take part in this project.
- Mary Greevy for the years of wonderful fiddle lessons and encouragement.
- Treasa Harkin for the encouragement, knowledge and kindness.
- Gay McKeon for the piping lessons, knowledge, music and encouragement.
- Mary Browne for sharing the music of her father, Tom Ward, and for her kindness and support.
- Joe Doyle for the music and knowledge he shared.
- Alyson Barber, Aoife Mullen, Sharon O’Leary and Andy Meaney for the years of great music and recordings with Reelan.
- Kevin Glackin, Paul McGettrick and Odhrán Ó Casaide for the lessons during my music degree in DIT.
- Peter Browne for the whistle lessons during my music degree in DIT as well as such encouragement and knowledge.
- Gráinne Mulvey and John Buckley for their encouragement and teaching of contemporary composition during my BMus and MA.
- James Kelly, Tommy Peoples, Nicky and Ann McAuliffe, Martin Hayes for the wonderful fiddle lessons at the Willie Clancy festival.
- Maura McAuliffe for choir and guitar lessons as a young child.
- David Lannigan, my secondary school music teacher, for supporting and encouraging me with my composition at school.
- All of the musicians and singers that I have had the pleasure and good fortune to have played music with and to those who have inspired the tunes. Thank you to you all.